Forum Discussion

Sue_Jones's avatar
Sue_Jones
Member
10 years ago

Radiation Tips and Advice PLEASE!

Good afternoon lovely ladies!

So we saw the radio oncologist on Tuesdy and it was an interesting discussion. There is only a very small difference in the chances of breast cancer coming back in the breast if I have radiation instead of a mastectomy. He asked about how important it is to preserve the breast, I said very important. My hubby also said that I don't do surgeries very well and that worries us., we want it as the last resort if that can happen. The radio oncologist was talking about the clear margin of tissue beyond the cancer area as the deciding factor about whether things are done or not.  In Oz the recommendation is usually 1cm and I have 0.5 cm. he said that in the US 1 mm is clearance, crazy. This is why the decisions are being left to me and it is so hard.  Either way it is an under 10% chance of cancer coming back and it could come back anywhere in the body. We are currently thinking that by doing chemo, radiation and hormone therapy that that should be enough, a risk I/we are prepared to take, if it comes back then we will have the mastectomy. We see the plastic surgeon on the 25th and then BC surgeon again on the 3rd Mar to make the decision. I have signed a consent form to start the ball rolling for radiation but I can cancel if I decide to go with surgery. No one knows what the future installs for anyone. Hope this makes some sense.

Anyway, I and my chemo buddy friend, who I caught up with for lunch today and is also about to go go through radiation too, are wondering what advice and tips about caring for your breast and surrounding area you lovely ladies can give us for before, during and end of radiation.  Thank you in anticipation.

radiotherapy

8 Replies

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    I only started using it when I started the radiation xox

  • Sue_Jones's avatar
    Sue_Jones
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Karen!

    i won't repeat my self again about the decision making as I've already replied the Snr thing twice but thanks for the tip.  Do you know if there is any differences between Moo Goo and Q V cream?  When did you start using it as someone told me about about one week before commencement of treatment?

    Kind regards

    Sue

  • Sue_Jones's avatar
    Sue_Jones
    Member
    10 years ago

    Sorry Tracey I meant Moo Goo, putting it in the fridge sounds like a good idea too.

  • Sue_Jones's avatar
    Sue_Jones
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Tracey!

    Thanks for your tip about the QV cream, a friend of mine gave me some as part of a care pack that she gave me when I first got diagnosed, she has recently had BC.  Do you know if there is any or much difference between the QV and Moo Goo cream.  Yes the decision has been difficult but I have basically made it now to have radiation instead if the mastectomy and I feel that the weight of half the world has lifted off my shoulders already.  We will still talk to the plastic surgeon before making the final decision.

    kind regards

    Sue

  • Sue_Jones's avatar
    Sue_Jones
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Maryanne!

    Thanks for your tip about the Moo Goo, it's on the shopping list.  Yes the decision has been difficult but I have basically made it now to have radiation instead if the mastectomy and I feel that the weight of half the world has lifted off my shoulders already.

    Take care.

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue

    it is a very difficult decision deciding which way to go. I initially told the surgeon I wanted both breasts gone. My first reaction was just to get the cancer out if me. I had grade 3 stage 1. He was happy to do this if I wished but wanted to let me know that mastectomy would only reduce my chance of a reoccurrence by 1% and that due to other health issues I have, put me at a much higher risk of complications. The thing is, we all make decisions of our treatment based on probabilities. There are no guarantees. What ever you decide to do, you need to know that you can live comfortably with  the decisions that you have made. Ask lots of questions and read up so that you can make an educated decision. 

    I used QV cream whilst having radiotherapy and had very few problems with my skin. Good luck with whatever way you decide to go. Karen xoxox

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sue, i had stage 2, grade 3 cancer - only 1-2% improved chance with mastectomy instead of WLE, so went for lumpectomy. Smallest margin was 3mm, mostly 10mm, surgeon happy not to do re-excision as SNB was clear. Chemo then radiation with an extra boost to tumour bed for added protection due to 3mm margin. Like you, if there is any recurrence in either breast I will move on to mastectomy. It's a big decision. My very dear friend had double mastectomy ten years ago and even her surgeon advised her that it wasn't necessary. She doesn't regret her decision but admits it was mainly to treat her fear. Everyone is different.  Keep MooGoo in fridge and use 2-3 times a day. Also helps if you cool the breast with cold cloths or ice packs after treatment before putting moisturiser on. So glad you have finished chemo, Tracey??

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi there. It is a tough decision to make. I was faced with a similar decision. Strong family history meant it was wise to get gene tested as if gene positive it was recommended to have breast removed rather than radio. Well turned out i didnt have the common genes so my decision was really hard. Do i go ahead with surgery anyway...knowing my luck it will come back elsewhere. I had a good chat with my surgeon about it he recommended against surgery for me as there was no underlying benefit.  I had radio and would recommend using moo goo as much as you can in preparation . Its wonderful stuff and you can use it during treatment as well.

    Good luck with it all.

    Maryrose